Novelty



v. HAVEL NOVELTY Sept. 20, 1938.

Filed Dec. 28, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet l Sept. 20, 1938. v. HAVEL I NOVELTY I Filed Dec. 28, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 lm/enior:

Patented Sept. 20, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 3 Claims.

The invention relates to improvements in novelties and more particularly to cut-outs and the like, embodying improved construction, adapted and arranged to provide devices such as, for example, puppets that can be animated.

An object of the invention is to provide devices of the character described adapted and arranged to be animated.

Another object is to provide novel devices especially constructed to effect animation thereof as a means of furnishing entertainment and educational matter in valentines, greeting cards, advertising folders, and the like, or as cut-outs furnished in book form.

Another object is to provide a box or folder convertible into a stage or backgroundfor use in conjunction with the improved animated devices.

Another object is to provide devices having means therein to effect animation thereof and means to accord flexibility to certain parts there of, from a single blank.

Another object is to provide a novelly constructed multiple hinge structure to affect animation of a device of which it is a part.

Another object is the provision of a device of this character which can be manufactured at low cost.

The invention consists in the combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter described andclaimed, and will be best understood with reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in which:

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of the improved convertible box.

Fig. 2 is a back perspective view of the box.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 2, showing the box converted for use as a stage or background.

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken approximately on line 44 of Fig. 3, showing one of the improved animated devices positioned therein.

Fig. 5 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the improved novelty, shown spread out flat.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the multiple hinge construction.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary front elevational view showing a modified arrangement.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary vertical sectional View of the structure shown in Fig. 7 illustrated in assembled position for use.

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 showing another embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 9 showing another modified arrangement.

Fig. 11 is a vertical sectional perspective view showing another modified arrangement.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view illustrating another modification.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary plan view of a blank illustrating another form of hinge construction.

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary side elevational view showing another type of binge.

Fig 15 is a perspective view showing a modified form of stage or background.

The improved novelties herein illustrated may be furnished in any suitable form, it being preferable however, that they be published in single sheets or books, each page thereof containing oneor more complete novelty or parts thereof together with the necessary instructions for assembly and operation. When thus furnished the novelties preferably are die cut or perforated on their outline and suitably scored to afford ready removal, folding and assembly thereof.

The sheets or books may include the background or stage hereinbefore referred to, or such background or stage may be furnished in the form of a container for an article of commerce such as,

for example, breakfast food, which may readily be converted for use. The devices also may be printed or otherwise reproduced upon the walls of a container for commercial goods.

The box illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the drawings is of a type assembled by a user from a cut-out blank suitably scored, and consists of a front wall 12 having top and bottom walls l3 extending from opposite horizontal edges thereof and side walls 14 extending beyond its vertical edges.

The side walls [4 each have a lip l 5 (best shown in Fig. 3) which is folded inwardly parallel to the front wall over against which, on the outside thereof, the two folded over back wall portions l6 and H are adapted to lie. As shown the back wall portions l6 and IT are continuations of the top and bottom walls, respectively, and suitable tabs l8, provided on the edges of said back wall portions, are adapted to have interlocking engagement in slits H] in end walls i4 whereby the assembled box is held together.

The front wall l2 of the box is adapted to be out along lines 2| to provide portions 22 and 23 foldable along creases 24, inwardly toward the rear wall portions I6 and l! to provide a substantially rectangular opening 25 (Fig. 4). The foldable portions 22 and 23 preferably are held parallel to each. other and to the top and bottom walls l3 of the box, by engagement of flanges 26 and 21, with arcuate tabs 28 and 29 respectively, cut from the back wall portions l6 and I1 respectively. The marginal edges of the closely abutted back wall portions l 6 and I! also are folded rearwardly, as best shown in Fig. 3, along parallel score lines 3| to provide a slotted opening 32 extending transversely of the front wall opening 2 and preferably parallel with the foldable front wall portions 23. This slotted opening is adapted to receive therethrough the operating portion of puppets or other animated device to be operated in conjunction with the stage. 7

A different slot structure is shown in Fig. 15 wherein the horizontal slotted opening 32 terminates at one end in a vertical opening 32 This opening 32 enables the operator to insert the puppets through the rear wall whereas in the structure previously described the puppets were inserted through the stage opening 25.

Obviously, a stage or background of simpler construction might be provided by using a suit-' ably slotted single sheet or folder or by any other practical arrangement whereby the operator of the puppet or other device is adapted to be wholly or partially concealed.

One embodiment of the improved animated device or puppet is shown in Figs. 4 to 6, inclusive, wherein a blank 33 (best shown in Fig. 5) preferably having illustrated portions reproduced thereon, is severed from a sheet of substantially stiff paper, cardboard or the like. As illustrated, the substantially elongated blank 33 has a portion 34 of an illustration adjacent one end thereof and a complemental illustration portion 35 adjacent the otherrend. Suitable extensions 36 also having complemental illustration portions, extend beyond the portion 35. The blank is adapted to be folded along suitable parallel score lines 31 provided one adjacent the inner edge of each portion 34 and 35, thus defining, with the longitudinal edges 38 of said blank, an intermediate portion 39.

A centrally located longitudinal slit 4| preferably is cut in the intermediate portion 39, prefrably midway between the transverse score lines and score lines 42, preferably are provided which extend from each end of said slit toward the opposed longitudinal edges 38 for a purpose to be described more fully hereinafter. Each score line 42 extends diagonally toward said edges 38, and the score lines on opposed longitudinal sides of the slit 4| converge as they approach the respective edge.

When the intermediate portion 39 is folded, as best shown in Figs. 4 and 6, the illustrated portions 34 and 35 preferably are adapted to be positioned in a common substantially vertical plane and moved toward and away from each other upon squeezing the now substantially vertically disposed edge portions 38 of the intermediate portion 39. It is evident that by momentarily applying end pressure to the opposite edge portions 33*, the multiple joint defined by diagonal score lines '42 and slit 4| is momentarily collapsed to draw the distended portions of the intermediate portion 39 together into the position substantially as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 6. Upon release of said end pressure, the multiple joint automatically assumes the distended position shown in full lines.

It should be understood, at this time, that the slit 4! which can be of any width or shape may be entirely dispensed with and a perforated or scored line provided in its place, however, it has been found that'when slit in the manner shown the multiple joint can be readily folded without bulging and greater flexibility is present in the joint. Note also is made that the score lines 42, although desirable, are not absolutely indispensable because these folds automatically are created when the opposite opposed edges of a sheet having a central slit are pressed together-while its end portions are being urged toward each other.

In use, the folded intermediate portion 39 may be extended rearwardly through the slotted opening 32 in the back wall lB-ll of box H to position the puppet or animated device above the bottom wall or stage 23 of opening 25. Hence, the hand of the operator is in the rear of the back wall l6l'l and is at least partially concealed. When viewed from the front, the illustrated portions 34 and 35 are moved into contact with each other uponcollapse of the multiple hinge structure, and moved apart upon the opening thereof. If desired portions 40 may be cut out of the intermediate portion 39 to provide extensions on one end portion adapted to overlie the other end portion when the two portions are brought together.

Further animation is aiforded the puppet by providing a plurality of parallel score lines 43, in the leg extensions 36, to impart flexibility thereto so that upon upward and downward movement of picture portion 35, the leg portions may dangle grotesquely, the foot portions 44 being sufliciently large to provide the necessary weight to maintain the legs partially distended at all times. Although the foot portions 44 may be attached to the leg portions 36 in any practical manner, it is preferable that they constitute a part of the blank 33, and to this end they are formed of a relatively large section of the blank material scored at 45 and severed at 46 to permit opposed side portions 4'! to be folded downwardly substantially parallel to each other as shown.

The multiple joint structure, embodied in the modification illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8 and in subsequent modifications, is substantially like that previously described and illustrated in Figs. 4, 5 and 6 and like numbers identify like parts.

Referring particularly to Figs. 7 and 8, the multiple joint member here shown consists of an intermediate portion 39 and an illustrated portion 48 joined along a score line 31 and severed from the body 49 of a complementary illustrated portion along three sides and hingedly connected along ascore line 3'! at one end to said body. In this particular embodiment, the intermediate portion 39 is folded, in a manner previously described, along diagonal fold lines 42 to position the complementary portion 48 in position to constitute a movable part of the figure illustrated. To complete the illustration a separate sheet 5| having complementary illustrated portions thereon preferably is positioned on the back face of the body over the opening left after folding the multiple hinge member and is held in place by suitable tabs 52 out from the body 49 for engagement over the edges and back face of sheet 5|.

It is obvious however, that the separate sheet 5| may be held in position otherwise than as shown or that said part may be a folded over extension of the body 49. In this particular illustration manipulation of the multiple joint in the manner previously described, moves the complementary illustrated'portion 48 relative to the trated portion 48 is the only movable part visible upon viewing the device from the front.

In Fig. 10 the multiple joint structure is entirely separate of the body portion M with two complementary illustrated portions 48 and 48*, one on each end, arranged to overlie the front face of the body portion 49 for movement relative thereto and to each other, upon operation of the multiple joint.

In the structure illustrated in Fig. 11 one end 53 of the multiple joint structure preferably is pasted or otherwise secured to the back face of the body portion 4%? and the other portion 48 thereof has complementary illustrated portions 54 thereon arranged to be moved into and out of alignment with openings 55 in the body 49*. A pendent portion 54 also can be cut from the part 48' for extending through the opening 55 which will move with movement of the part 48*. It is evident that additional portions of the illustration shown on 49 can be readily produced on the movable portion 48 to increase the number parts of the representation to be animated.

Fig. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the invention wherein the multiple joint structure is positioned vertically. Each portion 39 thereof has a continuous extension 56 in any suitable form such as, for example, as shown, and each extension 56 has one or more extended portions 51, the extended portions 5i preferably having a plurality of score lines 63 to afford flexibility thereto. When this device is operated, by pressing the opposed ends 38 of the multiple joint, the parts 39 carrying extensions 56 are moved rapidly toward and away from each other to cause violent flapping of the flexible parts 51, thus giving a realistic impression of a prize fight.

The blank illustrated in part in Fig. 13 provides, when folded, a multiple hinge structure differing from that previously described only in that the score lines #32 diverge toward the edges of the intermediate portion 39 instead of converging and a central fold M replaces the slit 4!. A fold of this character requires previous scoring or perforating of the diagonal lines inasmuch as it is not a natural fold like the previously described structures.

The hinge structure shown in Fig. 14 has no slits or score lines, the intermediate portion 39 being bent over upon itself, as shown, so that when pressure is momentarily applied in the direction of the arrows the ends are brought together. The resiliency of the material returns the intermediate portion to its normal position upon release of pressure.

The various animated novelties herein disclosed have been described as being made of paper, light cardboard, etc., produced as an integral structure, however, as the use of the device produces some wear and a tendency to break at the folds and scoring it may be reinforced at the back by cloth or may be formed of separate parts secured to a cloth backing. The integral construction first described is preferably employed on account of cheapness and mode of distribution. It is also evident that the devices herein described may be embossed or moulded to give perspective, the parts being properly joined to facilitate ready flexing and even movement thereof.

Although the preferred embodiments of construction for carrying the invention into effect have been described and illustrated, these are capable of other variations and modification without departing from the spirit of the invention. I, therefore, do not wish to be limited to the precise details set forth, nor to the use of the exact representations herein shown, but desire to avail myself of such variations and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A toy comprising, in combination, a housing having an opening in its front wall and a slotted back wall opening, a device in said front wall opening formed .of a sheet having end portions and an intermediate portion, said intermediate portion extending rearwardly through said slotted opening, a plurality of fold lines in said interme diate portion forming a multiple joint operable to move the end portions relative to each other at least one extension on one of said end portions, and a plurality of score lines in said extension adapting it to flex upon operation of said multiple joint.

A toy comprising, in combination, a housing having an opening in its front wall and a slotted back wall opening, a platform between said walls spaced below said slotted opening, a device in said front wall opening formed of a sheet folded to provide an intermediate operable portion and two relatively movable end portions, said operable portion extending rearwardly through said slotted opening, and at least one extension on one of said end portions to intermittently contact said platform during operation of the device.

3. The combination with a knock-down stage setting of a type having a front wall opening and a slotted back wall opening, said slotted opening being spaced above the lower edge of the front wall opening, of a device bearing a pictorial representation arranged in said front wall opening, said device consisting of an elongated sheet having its intermediate portion folded to provide means operable to move the end portions thereof relative to each other, said means extending rear- Wardly through said slotted opening.

VICTOR HAVEL. 

